CHESHIRE COLLEGE STUDENTS SHORTLISTED FOR NATIONAL HEATS OF THE TOQUE D’OR 2023 COMPETITION

Three Professional Cookery students from Cheshire College –South & West have been shortlisted to compete in the National Heats for the Toque d’Or 2023; a prestigious hospitality competition which was born out of a passion for excellence and to provide invaluable opportunities for the next generation of food service professionals.

Following a fortnight of intensive judging, Nestlé Professional announced that Amanda Salters and Nathan Price from Cheshire College’s Ellesmere Port Campus have been shortlisted for the Back of House category, and Jasmine Thomas, who studies at Crewe Campus, has been selected for the Front of House category.

The students secured their place in the Heats after standing out amongst nearly 400 other applicants. To qualify, students had to create a 30-second video explaining their passion for hospitality and their reasons for entering the Torque d’Or. Amanda and Nathan also had to prepare and cook a piece of sustainable fish, submit a menu description and photos of the mise-en-place, fish knife skills and a final dish.

Meanwhile, for the Front of House category, Jasmine had to lay up a table inspired by a theme of her choice and create a coffee drink inspired by the same theme. By competing in the National Heats, the students are in with a chance of winning a once-ina-lifetime culinary adventure to Brazil.

Andrea Huby, Assistant Director for Hair, Beauty and Hospitality at Ellesmere Port Campus said of the shortlisted students:

“We’re extraordinarily proud of all the students and we wish them every success in the National Heats. They have all worked incredibly hard to qualify for the Toque d’Or and we will continue to support them however we can, both in the run-up to the competition and beyond.”

Victoria Mulqueen, Assistant Director of Hair, Beauty and

Hospitality for Crewe Campus added: “The shortlisted students are proof of Cheshire College’s continued commitment to excellence. These students are all independently talented, so we strive to find new ways to enhance and refine their skills. Getting professional feedback in national competitions is one of many paths to improvement.”

The Toque d’Or Heats will take place at Nestlé HQ from 15th-18th May 2023.

Hospitality students at Cheshire College can refine their skills through their involvement with the award-winning Academy West restaurants, based at the Ellesmere Port and Crewe Campuses.